Joint connection

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a joint connection, a kit, a construction, and a method for joining items. The joining is accomplished, generally, by at least one post and at least one member, whereby the member is joined to the post. Generally, the post has at least one surface having at least one opening, and at least one surface having at least one tab-slot, and, generally, the member has at least one tab protruding from its end. Generally, the joining is accomplished by passing the member through the opening in the post and joining the tab to the tab-slot in the post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a system and method offastening one or more pieces of material together in a wide range ofapplications. It is desirable to couple materials together in a mannerthat is both stable and secure. More specifically, the present inventionallows for pieces to be securely coupled together without necessarilyrequiring welding or fasteners, for example, in the construction ofstructures. Although, optionally, welding and/or fasteners may also beused and/or required. The resulting structure is a stabilized, sturdyand load bearing joint connection that is, for example, easy to assembleand cost-effective.

In the past, ways of fastening materials together have included weldingand non-welding techniques. Non-welding fastening techniques have, forexample, used all types of pins, screws, flanges, fittings and bolts asfasteners to hold materials together. While these fasteners and devicesmay hold materials together securely, they generally add expense to thejoint. Many industries, including the automotive industry, are pushingto reduce the number of needed parts. Also, fasteners can rust, becomeloosened, break under a heavy weight burden, and be stripped so as to nolonger be amenable to tightening or loosening. Further, in manyarrangements, it is not easy or effective to use fasteners due, forexample, to constraints in size and materials. For example, fastenersare infeasible on many very small applications, such as those in thefield of nanotechnology and biological structures.

Welding is also used as a means of coupling some types of materialstogether. Welding, however, has many disadvantages. Welding requires askilled technician to perform the fastening technique, because it isdangerous, requires special tools, safety equipment, and knowledge ofhow to carefully position materials to result in the desired finalstructure. Furthermore, welding presents a wild fire hazard, due toflying sparks; welding forms permanent attachments that are generallyirreversible; welds may fracture, rust, or otherwise be unsuitable forbearing heavy loads; welding is not feasible for use with many types ofmaterials, such as plastics and many composites that might be desirablebuilding materials; welding compromises the integrity of plating orcoating in or near the weld joint—e.g., at the present time, evenproperly done welds can cause a brittleness in the heat affected areathat may not be picked up by inspections of strength, such as X-rays;and, for example, welding may not be a feasible means of fasteningmaterials on the nanotechnology scale as of today.

Another commonly used way of fastening materials together is using afastener such as an elbow or joint coupling piece, to couple togethervarious materials. However, this type of fastening often requires, forexample, skilled assembly and custom made fasteners. Also, fasteningmaterials together using an elbow or separate joint piece is sometimesused for applications that are merely ornamental, and the resultingjoints may have limited structural strength and load bearing capacity.

Hence, there is a need for a design for a joint connection that does notnecessarily require welding or fasteners, yet provides a stable, loadbearing connection.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide animproved method of fastening materials.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide animproved method of fastening materials without necessarily requiringwelding or fasteners, although welding and fasteners are not necessarilyexcluded, and, in some situations, may be required.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improvedmethod of fastening materials together in such a way that stability andload bearing capacity are provided, along with coupling the materialstogether.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of afastening system that provides an inexpensive method of fasteningmaterials together and reducing necessary parts.

Yet another object of the present invention is that the fastening systemand method are not limited to any particular size of application, butspan applications such as, for example, but not limited to, temporarybuildings, scaffolding, ladders, fencing, farm gates, fences, trafficcontrol structures, bridges and tunnels, to structures on thenano-scale.

Another object of the present invention is that the fastening system andmethod are not limited in the type of the materials used, and may beapplied to materials ranging from, for example, but not limited to,plastics, metals, composites, wood, ceramics, silica products, animaltissues, including human, fiberglass, cardboard, and materials used inthe field of nanotechnology, such as, for example, molecular capillarycatheters and probes, such as for cell counters and the like.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a jointconnection, comprising a stabilizing surface having at least oneopening, a securing surface having at least one tab-slot, and a memberhaving at least one tab, wherein the member passes through the openingin the stabilizing surface, and the tab engages the tab-slot in thesecuring surface.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the stabilizing surface andthe securing surface are in a common surface. In one embodiment of thejoint connection, the stabilizing surface and the securing surface areboth in the outer surface of a post. In one embodiment of the jointconnection, the stabilizing surface and the securing surface are notboth in a common surface.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the stabilizing surface issubstantially parallel to the securing surface.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the member may be solid,hollow, or partially filled. In one embodiment of the joint connection,the post may be solid, hollow, or partially filled.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the opening corresponds inshape and size to the member. In one embodiment of the joint connection,the member passes snugly through the opening. In one embodiment of thejoint connection, a sealant is located along an edge of the opening. Inone embodiment of the joint connection, a sealant is located along anedge of the tab-slot.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the opening is locateddirectly opposite to at least one tab-slot. In one embodiment of thejoint connection, the longitudinal axis of the member is oriented at anangle of about 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the stabilizingsurface. In one embodiment of the joint connection, the opening is notdirectly opposite at least one tab-slot, but is offset from at least onetab-slot. In one embodiment of the joint connection, the longitudinalaxis of the member is oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of thestabilizing surface at a non-90° angle. In one embodiment of the jointconnection, when the longitudinal axis of the member is orientedrelative to the longitudinal axis of the stabilizing surface at anon-90° angle, the opening or openings and tab-slot or tab-slots may beangled such that the surface of the member makes contact with thesurface of the edge of the opening or openings and the surface of theedge of the tab-slot or tab-slots.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the angle at which the memberinteracts with the opening results in friction and grip between themember and the opening.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, there are more than one tabson the member. In one embodiment of the joint connection, the number ofthe tabs corresponds to the number of the tab-slots. In one embodimentof the joint connection, the number of the tabs is different from thenumber of the tab-slots.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the size and shape of thetab-slots corresponds to the tabs.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the member is separate fromthe stabilizing surface and the securing surface, except at the opening.In one embodiment of the joint connection, the member is coupled toitself at the opening.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the tab is bent or crimpedover an edge of the tab-slot to engage the tab-slot. In one embodimentof the joint connection, the tab is glued in place in the tab-slot toengage the tab-slot. In one embodiment of the joint connection, the tabmay additionally be welded in place in the tab-slot to engage thetab-slot. In one embodiment of the joint connection, the tab is pinnedin place in the tab-slot to engage the tab-slot. In one embodiment ofthe joint connection, the tab is held in place in the tab-slot by a cambolt, twisted to lock the tab in place.

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the joint connection isproduced by a process wherein the tab-slot is cut by a laser. In oneembodiment of the joint connection, the joint connection is produced bya process wherein the opening is cut by a laser. In one embodiment,opening is made by a process such as, for example, penetration by themember, or by other cutting, punching, forging or casting methods, suchas, but not limited to, water jet cutting, plasma torch, oxyacetylenetorch, hydrogen arc, or electric discharge machining (“EDM”).

In one embodiment of the joint connection, the joint connection has atleast one recess in the securing surface.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method ofjoining, comprising the steps of: providing at least one stabilizingsurface, comprising at least one opening; providing at least onesecuring surface, comprising at least one tab-slot; providing at leastone member, comprising at least one tab; passing said member throughsaid opening; and passing said tab into said tab-slot.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, thestabilizing surface and the securing surface are in a common surface. Inone embodiment of the method of the present invention, the stabilizingsurface and the securing surface are both in the outer surface of apost. In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, thestabilizing surface and the securing surface are not both in a commonsurface.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, thestabilizing surface is substantially parallel to the securing surface.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the member maybe solid, hollow, or partially filled. In one embodiment of the methodof the present invention, the post may be solid, hollow, or partiallyfilled.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the opening inthe stabilizing surface corresponds in shape and size to the member. Inone embodiment of the method of the present invention, the member passessnugly through the opening. In one embodiment of the method of thepresent invention, a sealant is located along an edge of the opening. Inone embodiment of the method of the present invention, a sealant islocated along an edge of the tab-slot.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the opening islocated directly opposite to at least one tab-slot. In one embodiment ofthe method of the present invention, the longitudinal axis of the memberis oriented at an angle of about 90° relative to the longitudinal axisof the stabilizing surface. In one embodiment of the method of thepresent invention, the opening is not directly opposite at least onetab-slot, but is offset from at least one tab-slot. In one embodiment ofthe method of the present invention, the longitudinal axis of the memberis oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the stabilizing surfaceat a non-90° angle.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the angle atwhich the member interacts with the opening results in friction and gripbetween the member and the opening.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, there are morethan one tabs on the member. In one embodiment of the method of thepresent invention, the number of the tabs corresponds to the number ofthe tab-slots. In one embodiment of the method of the present invention,the number of the tabs is different from the number of the tab-slots.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the size andshape of the tab-slots corresponds to the tabs.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the member isseparate from the stabilizing surface and the securing surface, exceptat the opening. In one embodiment of the method of the presentinvention, the member is coupled to itself at the opening.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the tab isbent or crimped over an edge of the tab-slot to engage the tab-slot. Inone embodiment of the method of the present invention, the tab is gluedin place in the tab-slot to engage the tab-slot. In one embodiment ofthe method of the present invention, the tab may additionally be weldedin place in the tab-slot to engage the tab-slot. In one embodiment ofthe method of the present invention, the tab is pinned in place in thetab-slot to engage the tab. In one embodiment, the tab is bent over anedge of the tab-slot into a recess in the securing surface, such thatthe tabs are flush with the securing surface.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a kit forassembling a joint connection. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the joint kit has component parts capable of being assembledinto one or more joints. In one embodiment, the kit comprises acombination of: at least one post, capable of being joined to at leastone member; and at least one member, capable of being joined to at leastone post; wherein the post comprises: a stabilizing surface, comprisingat least one opening, and a securing surface, comprising at least onetab-slot; and wherein the member comprises: at least one tab; furtherwherein the member is capable of penetrating the opening in thestabilizing surface of the post; and wherein the tab on the member iscapable of engaging the tab-slot in the securing surface of the post,whereby the member may be joined to the post.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the post or postsand cross member or cross members may be any shape or size, and it isnot a requirement that the post or posts and cross member or crossmembers be the same shape or comprised of the same material.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the kit may beassembled in a desired location, or partially or fully preassembled andshipped to another location.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the stabilizingsurface and the securing surface are in a common surface. In oneembodiment of the kit of the present invention, the stabilizing surfaceand the securing surface are both in the outer surface of a post. In oneembodiment of the kit of the present invention, the stabilizing surfaceand the securing surface are not both in a common surface.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the stabilizingsurface is substantially parallel to the securing surface.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the member may besolid, hollow, or partially filled. In one embodiment of the kit of thepresent invention, the post may be solid, hollow, or partially filled.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the openingcorresponds in shape and size to the member. In one embodiment of thekit of the present invention, the member passes snugly through theopening. In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, asealant is located along an edge of the opening. In one embodiment ofthe kit of the present invention, a sealant is located along at leastone edge of the tab-slot.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the opening islocated directly opposite to at least one tab-slot. In one embodiment ofthe kit of the present invention, the longitudinal axis of the member isoriented at an angle of about 90° relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe stabilizing surface. In one embodiment of the kit of the presentinvention, the opening is not directly opposite at least one tab-slot,but is offset from at least one tab-slot. In one embodiment of the kitof the present invention, the longitudinal axis of the member isoriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the stabilizing surface ata non-90° angle. In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention,when the longitudinal axis of the member is oriented relative to thelongitudinal axis of the stabilizing surface at a non-90° angle, theopening or openings and tab-slot or tab-slots may be angled such thatthe surface of the member makes contact with the surface of the edge ofthe opening or openings and the surface of the edge of the tab-slot ortab-slots.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the angle atwhich the member interacts with the opening results in friction and gripbetween the member and the opening. In one embodiment of the kit of thepresent invention, the opening or openings may be angled in a manner tomaximize the contact between the surface of the member and the surfaceof the edge of the opening or openings in a manner to maximize thefriction and grip between the member and the opening. In one embodimentof the kit of the present invention, the tab-slot or tab-slots may beangled in a manner to maximize the contact between the surface of thetab and the surface of the edge of the tab-slot or tab-slots in a mannerto maximize the friction and grip between the tab and the tab-slot ortab-slots.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, there are morethan one tabs on the member. In one embodiment of the kit of the presentinvention, the number of the tabs corresponds to the number of thetab-slots. In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, thenumber of the tabs is different from the number of the tab-slots.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the size andshape of the tab-slots corresponds to the tabs.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the member isseparate from the stabilizing surface and the securing surface, exceptat the opening. In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention,the member is coupled to itself.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the tab is bentor crimped over an edge of the tab-slot to engage the tab-slot. In oneembodiment of the joint connection, the tab is glued in place in thetab-slot to engage the tab-slot. In one embodiment of the jointconnection, the tab is welded in place in the tab-slot to engage thetab-slot. In one embodiment of the joint connection, the tab is pinnedin place in the tab-slot to engage the tab-slot. In one embodiment ofthe joint connection, the tab need not be crimped or bent, for example,it may be pinned in place or simple remain protruding through thetab-slot, providing for ready assembly and disassembly, and for examplereassembly, of the joint.

In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the jointconnection is produced by a process wherein the tab-slot is cut by alaser. In one embodiment of the kit of the present invention, the jointconnection is produced by a process wherein the opening is cut by alaser. In one embodiment, opening is made by a process such as, forexample, penetration by the member, or by other cutting, punching,forging or casting methods, such as, but not limited to, water jetcutting, plasma torch, oxyacetylene torch, hydrogen arc, or electricdischarge machining (“EDM”).

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a construction,such as, but not limited to, temporary buildings, scaffolding, ladders,fencing, farm gates, fences, traffic control structures, exotic anddomestic animal pens, support beams, components of sheets of materialssuch as cardboard and fiberglass, and structures on the nano-scale,comprising at least one joint connection as described herein.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will bedescribed hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of theinvention. It should be appreciated that the conception and specificembodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying ordesigning other structures for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention. It should also be realized that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the invention as set forth in theappended claims. The novel features which are believed to becharacteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and methodof operation, together with further objects and advantages will bebetter understood from the following description when considered inconnection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that each of the figures and examples are providedfor the purpose of illustration and description only and are notintended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustrative view of one side of a post segment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is an illustrative view of the opposite side of a post segmentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention wherein tabs are aligned with tab-slots and inserted intotab-slots;

FIG. 3B is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention showing three components securely coupled together with tabsbent after passing through tab-slots;

FIG. 3C is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention showing three components securely coupled together with tabsdeformed after passing through tab-slots, where tabs are deformed in arecess to be flush with the securing surface;

FIG. 4A is an illustrative view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention showing three components securely coupled together with a boltand nut securely coupling together the tabs after passing throughtab-slots;

FIG. 4B is an illustrative view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention showing three components securely coupled together with asimple pin securely coupling together the tabs after passing throughtab-slots;

FIG. 4C is an illustrative view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention showing three members securely coupled together, tabs having anotch engaging edge of tab-slots, and rotation of the member to lock itin place;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention wherein tabs are aligned with and inserted into tab-slots;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the cross member is at an angle and/or curved, notperpendicular, relative to the stabilizing surface of at least onestabilizing surface;

FIG. 7A is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the friction or gripping action resulting when themember 700 is inserted at a non-90° angle, resulting in limited grippingaction;

FIG. 7B is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the friction or gripping action resulting when themember 700 is inserted at a non-90° angle, maximizing the friction orgripping action, and/or weight bearing capabilities;

FIG. 7C is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the limited friction or gripping action resultingwhen the member 700 is inserted at a 90° angle;

FIG. 7D FIG. 7D is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the maximized friction or gripping action resultingwhen the member 700 is inserted at a 90° angle; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein at least two posts are coupled closely together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to any specific materialsor size. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intendedto be limiting.

DEFINITIONS AND USE OF TERMS

In the specification and in the claims which follow, reference will bemade to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the followingmeanings:

It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include the plural formas well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, referenceto “a post segment” may include numerous post segments, for example, ina fence line, or the like. The terms “at least one,” and “one or more”refer to the singular or the plural.

The term “post,” as used herein, refers to one or more segments to whicha common member is attached, and generally has both a stabilizingsurface and a securing surface. A post may also refer to separatestabilizing and securing surfaces that are not part of a unifiedstructure, but are used in combination. The term “post” as used hereinmay include, for example, a rod, a pole, a tube, a stake, a beam, amarker, a pair comprising a stabilizing surface and a securing surface,or a support of any kind. The term “post” refers to hollow, solid, andpartially filled members. In one embodiment, the posts are galvanized,plain, plated or painted metal pipe, or are wood, plastic or cement, andare employed in the present invention as, for example, the verticaluprights serving as support. However, in other embodiments, the postsare not necessarily vertical uprights. In another embodiment, one end ofthe post may be buried underground or alternatively, cemented in place.In another embodiment, concrete or cement may be used to secure the endof the post in one place underground. In yet another embodiment, dirtmay be tightly packed to secure the end of the post in one placeunderground. In another embodiment, the post may be driven into theground. In another embodiment, the post may be bolted to studsprotruding from concrete, wood, plastic or other material above or belowground level. In yet another embodiment, the post may include orcomprise mesh tubing, for example, oil well screens and nanotubecomprised of a mesh. In an embodiment having more than one post, postsmay be dissimilar, for example, in composition and size.

The term “tab,” as used herein, refers to any flange, projection, flap,protrusion, or the like, extending from a common member. The tab mayvary in length, shape and thickness, material, color, hardness, coating,plating, painting, and the like, as necessary for the desiredapplication, and may be comprised of different material than the member.The tab may be threaded to accept a nut, screwed thereon, for example,as a means of attachment. The tab may be made in any manner, such as,for example, by machining, laser cutting, protrusion, or molding. A tabmay also include a hole, which may or may not be threaded. The tab mayalso be notched to allow it to engage with the tab-slot.

The term “tab-slot,” as used herein, refers to any space, hole, groove,slit, or the like, in the securing surface that loosely corresponds inshape and size to tabs that are inserted into the tab-slot. In oneembodiment, the tab-slots are cut with a laser. In another embodiment,the tab-slots may be made or obtained in any fashion, such as, forexample, by boring through the securing surface, or pre-fabricated suchas by molding, forging, casting, extruding or melting. In oneembodiment, the tab-slot may be made by penetration by the tabs. In oneembodiment, the tab-slot may not necessarily extend completely throughto the outer surface of the securing surface; for example, the tab-slotcould comprise a notch in the inner surface of the securing surface thatengages a tab, or the tab-slot could be made by penetration of a tabinto the inner surface of the securing surface, where the tab, and hencethe tab-slot, do not extend completely through the securing surface toreach the outer surface of the securing surface.

The term “opening,” as used herein, refers to any space, gap or hole inthe stabilizing surface that may correspond in shape and size to thecommon member that is inserted into the opening, although the openingmay vary in size or shape as necessary with regard for the desiredapplication. In one embodiment, the opening is cut with a laser. Inanother embodiment, the opening may be made or obtained in any fashion,such as for example, by boring through the securing surface, orprefabricated such as by molding. The term “opening” as used hereinincludes a hole passing through a solid object, or a hole through theouter surface of a hollow object. Furthermore, the opening does notnecessarily remain “open” in all stages of the invention. For example,when the joint is assembled, the member is in the opening; further, forexample, in some embodiments, the opening in the assembled jointconnection may be sealed. In one embodiment, the opening may be made bypenetration by the member.

The term “member,” as used herein, refers to an object capable ofpenetrating a hole, and may include, for example, a rail, a bar, abrace, a pipe, a rod, a beam, a tube, a pole, or the like. The term“member” refers to hollow, solid and semi-filled objects. In oneembodiment, the member connects to a post. In one embodiment, the memberis the horizontal portion connecting at least two posts to providestability and support, for example, to a fence brace and fence. In anembodiment having more than one member, members may be dissimilar, forexample, in composition and size.

The term “pin,” as used herein, refers any object capable of securing atab to a tab-slot, and may include, for example, a slender, usuallycylindrical piece of wood or metal for holding or fastening partstogether, screws, nuts and bolts, nails, pegs, wire (e.g., stiff ormalleable) and various other hardware typically used for fastening partstogether, such as, for example, pins, clips, or split rings.

The term “couple,” as used herein, refers to joining, securing,connecting, or the like, items together or alternatively, joining,securing, connecting, or the like, a single item to itself. “Couple,”“coupled” or “coupling” is not limited to irreversible attachment;“couple” may refer to reversible joining, securing, connecting, or thelike.

The term “attach,” as used herein, refers to joining, securing,connecting, or the like, items together or alternatively, joining,securing, connecting, or the like, a single item to itself.

The term “fasten,” as used herein, refers to joining, securing,connecting, or the like, items together or alternatively, joining,securing, connecting, or the like, a single item to itself.

The terms “couple,” “attach,” “fasten,” “join,” “joint,” and “engage”are not limited to permanent connections.

The term “engage,” as used herein, means to interlock or mesh or causeto interlock or mesh, weave, entwine, bind or thread.

The term “bent,” as used herein, refers to the tab assuming a differentdirection or shape. In one embodiment, the act of bending the tab may beaccomplished using a mallet, hammer or pliers or other tools orprocesses, whether specifically designed for the task or not, wherebythe tab bends around the tab-slots to secure the member.

The term “crimped,” as used herein, refers to pressing, pinching orotherwise deforming the tab to engage the tab with the tab-slot. In oneembodiment, the act of crimping the tab may be accomplished using amallet, hammer or pliers or a special tool or process.

The term “glued,” as used herein, refers to fastened with any type ofadhesive. In one embodiment, an adhesive such as epoxy glue, skin glue,bone glue, BONDO®, Bondo Corporation, Atlanta, Ga., and the like, may beused.

The term “sealant,” as used herein, refers to a substance, agent ordevice that joins items so as to prevent leakage, close in an air-tightfashion, make waterproof, or the like, and may include, for example,caulking agents, a rubberized O-ring, or specialty rubber seals such asJons Mansfield rubber or a Mansfield seal.

The term “stabilizing surface,” as used herein, refers to any objectcapable of fixing another item, such as a member, for example, bypreventing fluctuation, variation and resistant to movement, and mayinclude, for example, the outer surface of a post, any part of or all ofa post, a surface that is separate from and not connected to a securingsurface, or a surface that may be connected to a securing surface. Theterm “stabilizing surface” is not limited to a surface or face of anymaterial, item or such, and relates to any part of any material, item,or such, that has an opening that fixes another item, such as a member.

The term “securing surface,” as used herein, refers to any objectcapable of firmly fastening, locking, coupling, attaching or otherwiseanchoring another item, such as a member, in place, and may include, forexample, the outer surface of a post, any part of or all of a post, asurface that is separate from and not connected to a stabilizingsurface, or a surface that may be connected to a stabilizing surface.The term “securing surface” is not limited to a surface or face of anymaterial, item or such, and relates to any part of any material, item,or such, that has tab-slots that fasten, lock, couple, attach, orotherwise anchor another item, such as, for example, a member, in place.

The term “snugly,” as used herein, refers to closely secured or closelyfitting, and not loose.

The term “substantially,” as used herein, is a term of approximation,and means for the same as or very close to that which is specified.

The term “about,” as used herein, is a term of approximation, and meansreasonably close, approximately, or near.

The terms “joint,” and “joint connection,” as used herein, refer to alink, point, or other type of attachment between two ore more items,where fastening or coupling may take place.

The term “construction,” as used herein, includes, but is not limitedto, materials for structural strengthening designs such as support beamsfor roofing; support beams of airplane wings; tent-like structures,temporary buildings and hunting units such as deer stands and deerblinds; outdoor venue applications; commercial fishing applications;animal pens and fence structures; space station or space craftapplications; helix-type designs; medical and/or surgical devices;agricultural grain storage and handling; ladders; antennas; watertowers; irrigation equipment (for example, center pivots);petro-chemical storage tanks; highway signage structures; automotivecomponents; motorcycle, bicycle, tricycle, and unicycle components;wildlife feeder structures; cattle handling and milking equipment;animal laboratory equipment; feedlots; all types of gates, architecturalrailing, fencing, stair rails, catwalks, and safety railing;scaffolding; isotainer frames; light beacon towers; constructionequipment; conveyor framework of all types; sand, gravel, rock crushingequipment framework, concrete forms, oilwell perforating tubes, railroadtrucks, bridges, boats, ships, and shipping containers, such as, forexample, ISO containers; and can also be architectural, ornamental orartistic in design and not necessarily made for stability or strength.

FIG. 1A is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the invention andshows one side of a post segment 100 of the present invention. In thefigure, on the near side of the post segment 100, one or more tab-slots110 in a securing surface 130A are shown. Opposite the one or moretab-slots 110, on the far side of the post segment 100, an opening 120in a stabilizing surface 140A is shown. The one or more tab-slots 110are not required to be directly across from the opening 120, but may beoffset to allow fastening of materials at various angles.

FIG. 1B is an alternative illustrative view of the opposite side of apost segment of the present invention. In the figure, on the near sideof the post segment 100, an opening 120 in a stabilizing surface 140B isshown. Opposite the opening 120, on the far side of the post segment100, one or more tab-slots 110 in a securing surface 130B are shown.Again, the one or more tab-slots 110 are not required to be directlyacross from the opening 120, but may be offset to allow fastening ofmaterials at various angles.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1A and alternatively shown in FIG. 1B,the openings and tab-slots are cut into tubing used for post segmentsusing a laser, and the tubing is later galvanized. Particularly usefulfor cutting the tab-slots and openings is the 6-Axis tube laser, and thelike, available from Mazak Corporation, www.mazakusa.com.

In one embodiment, the edge of the opening 120 may be lined with asealant. A sealant may be added along the edge of the opening 120 in anyapplication wherein it is desirable to prevent fluids, gases, or drymaterials from accumulating inside the post segment, or alternatively,keep such materials in. A sealant may be particularly desirable in anyapplication wherein caustic materials are used to clean the jointconnection. In another embodiment, the tab-slots 110 may be lined with asealant, for similar reasons. In particular, a silicon sealant may beused.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention. Afirst post segment 200 is shown, as well as a second post segment 210.The first post segment 200 has one or more tab-slots 220 in a securingsurface 205 and an opening 230 in a stabilizing surface 202, as shown,the side opposite to the tab-slots 220. The tab-slots 220 on the firstpost segment 200 may be of any size, shape, and number, depending onwhat is necessary for the particular application. The second postsegment 210 has one or more tab-slots 240 in a securing surface 215 andan opening 250 in a stabilizing surface 212, as shown, on the sideopposite to the tab-slots 240. The tab-slots 240 of the second postsegment 210 also may be of any size, shape, and number, depending onwhat is necessary for the particular application. A member 260 is shown,to be coupled to the first post segment and the second post segment. Themember 260 also includes tabs 270A on one end, and tabs 270B on theother end. The opening 230 in the first post segment 200 and the opening250 of the second post segment 210 correspond in shape and size to thecommon member 260, according to the various needs for the particularapplication.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the member may be acapillary tube and/or be of capillary tube dimensions, for example,having a diameter measured in the micron range. In one embodiment, themember is at least one capillary tube having at least one tab protrudingfrom its end. The member may also have a hole, or other such structure,located near the tabs. In one embodiment, the member is used, forexample, in obtaining a blood sample. In one such embodiment, the membermay be used to pierce a hole in the wall of a blood vessel, and the tabsused to pierce the opposite wall of the blood vessel. In this way, theinventive joint may be constructed using a capillary tube as the member,and the walls of a blood vessel or capillary as the supporting andstabilizing surfaces. For example, insertion of the member into a bloodvessel creates the opening in the supporting surface of the bloodvessel, and piercing by the tabs creates the tab-slots in the securingsurface of the opposite wall of the blood vessel—thus forming theinventive joint connection. When, for example, such a capillary tube isinserted into a blood vessel, the tube may also contain a hole or otherstructure located near the tab end, such that, when the member isinserted into a blood vessel and the tabs are inserted in thetab-slots—forming the inventive joint connection—the hole or otherstructure is located such that it is within the interior of the bloodvessel, and thus within the flow of blood. In one embodiment, forexample, by appropriately designing the hole or other structure, it canbe used to obtain a blood sample or to obtain one or more other specifictypes of samples from the blood. For example, the hole could be sizedsuch that it accepts red blood cells but not white blood cells. Thiswould provide for a means of selectively sampling RBCs in an animal,including humans, with minimal effort and minimal invasiveness. Forexample, the diameter of the hole on the capillary tube could be, forexample, about 5 microns. It is known in the art that RBCs may passthrough an opening of about this size, while WBCs will not. This thusprovides a method for selectively collecting RBCs from the blood of aliving animal with minimal effort and invasiveness. In anotherembodiment, the hole may receive certain blood gases or plasma, making adevice and method for selectively measuring and/or obtaining a specificblood component in an animal, such as a human, livestock or a companionanimal. In a similar manner, the invention may be used to introducecompounds into the blood stream, such as drugs or sensors, such as dyes,and the like. The device may also be used as a probe or sensor.

In one embodiment, the member and other components of the jointconnection are in the nanoscale range of size, for example, havingdimensions measured in nanometers, or smaller. This may include, forexample, molecular manufacturing, molecular devices and use of such, aswell as, for example, devices on the molecular and atomic scale.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the member 260 isinserted into the opening 230 in a stabilizing surface 202 of the firstpost segment 200. The member 260 passes through the first post segment200. The member 260 is aligned with the first post segment 200 such thatthe member 260 fits through the opening 230 in a stabilizing surface202, and the tabs 270A can be inserted into the tab-slots 220 in asecuring surface 205. Also in one embodiment of the present invention,the other end of the common member 260 is inserted into the opening 250in a stabilizing surface 212 of the second post segment 210. The commonmember 260 passes through the second post segment 210. The common member260 is also aligned with the second post segment 210 such that thecommon member 260 fits through the opening 250 in the stabilizingsurface 212, and the tabs 270B can be inserted into the tab-slots 240 inthe securing surface 215. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the tabs270A and 270B may be bent, crimped, twisted, rotated, for example toengage a notch, or glued in place to securely fasten the members.Alternatively, the tabs may also be pinned or screwed together tosecurely fasten the members as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Additionally,the member 260 may be symmetrical, such that the ends may fit to eitherpost, and the member may be attached regardless of the orientation inwhich it is inserted through the openings 230 and 250. Alternatively,the member 260 may be assymetrical.

Passing the common member 260 through the opening in each post segmentaffords an added measure of stability, and adds to the load bearingcapacity of the present invention. Inserting the tabs into the tab-slotsin each post segment affords a locking capacity to allow the members tobe coupled together. This, for example, also increases the ability ofthe joints to retain the desired design, for example, squareness, andthe like.

The first post segment 200, the second post segment 210 and the member260 may be composed of various and/or different materials, such as, forexample, galvanized tubing, metal, plastic, wood composites, paper,cardboard, tissue, silicone, glass, teflon, clay, concrete, rubber,vinyl, carbon and carbon molecules, ceramic, woven wire, wovenmaterials, woven tubing, and other mesh and mesh-like constructions.Particularly, the first post segment 200, the second post segment 210and the member 260 may be composed of painted tubing. The size of all ofthe components can vary anywhere from very small, for applications inthe field of nano-technology, all the way to very large, forapplications in, for example, building framing, scaffolding, large farmgates, and airport fencing or containment assemblies. In one preferredembodiment, the components are less than 11″ in diameter and less than24′ long. The various components of the present invention may be hollow,to allow for lightweight construction, or may be solid, to provide addedstability and sturdiness.

In one embodiment, the tabs may be used, for example, both as tabs, asdefined herein for engaging a tab-slot, and as saw teeth. For example,the tab end of the member could have one or more angled, sharpened, orsawtooth-like tabs. In this embodiment, the tab end of the member mayresemble the sawtooth end of a hole saw. In assembling the inventivejoint connection, the member may be rotated such that the tabs cut anopening in the stabilizing surface. Penetration of the opening by themember then allows for the tabs to engage in tab-slots in thestabilizing surface; these tab-slots may be preexisting or may be madeby the tabs, for example, by penetration of the tabs. In one embodiment,the tab-slots may extend though the stabilizing surface such that thetabs may extend to or beyond the outer surface of the stabilizingsurface. In such an embodiment, the tabs may be engaged with thetab-slots in the stabilizing surface as discussed herein, for example,by bending, twisting or crimping. In another embodiment, the tab-slotsmay only penetrate the inner surface of the stabilizing surface, suchthat the tabs are secured in the tab-slots. These embodiments, as withothers described herein, may be used in a wide variety of applications,ranging from, for example, use in large scale mechanical structures tosmall biotechnology uses, such as, for example, bone stabilizing devicesor internal body probes or sensors.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention wherein tabs are aligned with and inserted into tab-slots. Thefirst post segment 300 and the second post segment 310 can be coupledtogether by common member 320. The common member 320 is inserted into anopening 330 in a stabilizing surface 302 on the first post segment 300and an opening 340 in a stabilizing surface 312 on the second postsegment 310. As shown in FIG. 3A, the common member 320 passes throughboth the first post segment 300 and the second post segment 310. On theopposite side to the opening 330, tab-slots 350 are in a securingsurface 305 of the first post segment 300. Tabs 370 on the end of commonmember 320 are inserted into the tab-slots 350. The tabs 370 may extendall the way through the tab-slots 350 to the exterior of the first postsegment 300, or may be longer to extend out of the tab-slots or shorterto be flush with the securing surface. On the opposite side to theopening 340 of the second post segment 310, tab-slots 360 are in asecuring surface 315 of the second post segment 310. Tabs 380 on the endof common member 320 are inserted into the tab-slots 360. The tabs 380may extend all the way through the tab-slots 360 to the exterior of thesecond post segment 310, or may be longer to extend out of the tab-slotsor shorter to be flush with the securing surface.

In one embodiment, the tab end of the member may be cut such that itfits flush against the inner surface of the stabilizing surface when thetabs are engaged with the tab-slots. For example, if the stabilizingsurface is on a hollow post, the tab end of the member could be cut suchthat it fits flush against the internal diameter of the stabilizingsurface when the tabs are engaged in the tab-slots. One example is shownin FIG. 3A, wherein the tab ends of common member 320 fit flush againstthe inner surfaces/inner diameters of securing surfaces 305 and 315 whenthe tabs are engaged in the tab-slots. In an optional embodiment, theflush fitting of the tab end of the member with the inner surface (e.g.,inner diameter) of the stabilizing surface may be sealed, for example,with a silicon sealer or similar sealing means.

FIG. 3B is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention showing three components securely coupled together with tabsdeformed after passing through tab-slots. After the tabs 370 and 380 oneach end of the common member 320 are aligned and inserted into thetab-slots 350 and 360, the tabs 370 and 380 are deformed by bending,crimping, twisting, gluing, engaging a notch, for example, by rotatingthe member, or other method to lock the members into place in thesecuring surfaces 305 and 315. This may be done by heating the tabsand/or using, for example, a hammer, mallet, rock, gun butt, wrench,shovel, spent artillery shell case, junk iron, among other tools oritems that one may find useful. The method of locking the tabs 370 and380 into place may depend on the material used to comprise the commonmember 320 or according to need for the particular application, forexample, if the tabs 370 and 380 will need to be unlocked at any pointin time, or moved and reassembled in another arrangement.

FIG. 3C is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention showing three components securely coupled together with tabsdeformed after passing through tab-slots, where tabs are deformed in arecess to be flush with the securing surface. In the securing surfaces305 and 315, there are recesses 390 adjacent to each tab-slot 350 and360. After the tabs 370 and 380 on each end of the member 320 arealigned and inserted into the tab-slots 350 and 360, the tabs 370 and380 are deformed by bending, crimping, twisting, gluing or other methodto lock the members into place in the securing surfaces 305 and 315.This may be done by heating the tabs and/or using, for example, ahammer, mallet, rock, gun butt, wrench, shovel, spent artillery shellcase, junk iron, among other tools or items that one may find useful.The tabs 370 and 380 are bent or crimped into the recesses 390 such thatthe tabs 370 and 380, once secure, lay flush with the securing surfaces305 and 315. The method of locking the tabs 370 and 380 into place maydepend on the material used to comprise the member 320 or according toneed for the particular application, for example, if the tabs 370 and380 will need to be unlocked at any point in time, or moved andreassembled in another arrangement.

FIG. 4A is an illustrative view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention showing three components securely coupled together with a nutand bolt securely coupling together the tabs after passing throughtab-slots. A first post segment 400 is coupled to a second post segment410 by a member 420 with tabs 470 protruding from one end and tabs 480protruding from the other end. One end of the member 420 is insertedthrough an opening 430 in a stabilizing surface 402 in the first postsegment 400 and the other end of the member 420 is inserted through anopening 440 in a stabilizing surface 412 in the second post segment 410.The member 420 passes through both the first post segment 400 and thesecond post segment 410. On the side opposite to the opening 430, thereare tab-slots 450 in a securing surface 405 on the first post segment400. When the member 420 is aligned properly, the tabs 470 fit throughthe tab-slots 450. On the side opposite the opening 440, there aretab-slots 460 in a securing surface 415 on the second post segment 410.When the member 420 is aligned, the tabs 480 fit through the tab-slots460. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, the tabs 470 and 480contain holes through which a pin, screw, rivet, split ring, cam bolt,or any other type of fastener 490 may be placed. Such holes mayadditionally be threaded. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A using afastener that is not incorporated into the member 420, the advantage isthat one may take the entire assembly apart, move it around, andreassemble it as many times as necessary, and re-assembly will notrequire welding or special skills.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, a simple pin 490 may alternativelybe inserted through the tabs 470 and 480 to hold the tabs 470 and 480 inthe tab-slots 450 and 460. Alternatively, a pin 490 may lock the tab inplace by using a cam action. For example, pin 490 or the like, may havean asymmetrical component, such as a cam bolt, cam nut, cam socket head,or other portion having a cam-like, offset protrusion, wherein when thepin or the like is turned, the offset cam component becomes wedgedagainst the outer surface of the stabilizing surface, thereby it lockingthe tab in place. Alternatively, a pin 490 may be threaded, and placedthrough one or more threaded holes in the tabs 470 and 480. For example,where a threaded pin or the like passes through two opposing tabs, onehole in one tab may be a non-threaded through hole and the opposing holebe threaded, for accepting and securing the threaded pin.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, the tabs 480 may alsocomprise a notch, such that when the member 420 is inserted through theopening 440 in the stabilizing surface 412 and the tabs 480 are insertedthrough the tab-slots 460 in the securing surface 415, the notch in eachof the tabs 480 engages with an edge of the corresponding tab-slots 460.The notch may be oriented in many different directions relative totab-slots 460 (e.g., top, bottom, or sides), so long as at least one tab480 engages tab-slot 460 via the notch. In one embodiment, the membermay be rotated to engage the tab with the tab-slot via the notch. Inanother embodiment, a common member, such as common member 420 forexample, may have notched tabs on each end, with the notches orientedsuch that rotation of the member in one direction engages notched tabson both ends of the common member with their corresponding tab-slots.

In another embodiment, the tab may be spring-like, such that itcompresses when inserted into and through the tab-slot from the internalside of the securing surface, and then, once through the slot, expandson the outer surface of the securing surface, and secures the tab inplace. In such an embodiment, the sprint-like tab may reversibly orirreversibly engage the tab in the tab-slot.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention wherein tabs are aligned with and inserted into tab-slots. Astabilizing surface 500 is provided, having an opening 510. Additionallya securing surface 520 is provided, having one or more tab-slots 530. Inone embodiment, the stabilizing surface 500 and the securing surface 520may be common to a single object, such as a post. In another embodiment,the stabilizing surface 500 and the securing surface 520 may also beseparate objects, that may or may not attach to each other at any pointother than at the described joint. The cross member 540 may be passedthrough the opening 510 in the stabilizing surface 500. The stabilizingsurface 500 may keep the member from wiggling or weakening when thecross member is engaged with the securing surface. The cross member mayalso stabilize the securing surface. The cross member 540 has one ormore tabs 550. The one or more tabs 550 are aligned with and insertedinto the tab-slots 530. In one embodiment, the tabs 550 may be deformedby bending or crimping them to lock the tabs 550 in place in thetab-slots 530. In another embodiment, the tabs 550 may be glued to lockthe tabs 550 in place in the tab-slots 530. In yet another embodiment,the tabs 550 may be welded in place to lock the tabs 550 in place in thetab-slots 530.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the cross member is at an angle, not perpendicular,relative to the stabilizing surface of at least one stabilizing surface.It is not always desirable for the cross member 600 to be connected atan angle perpendicular to a post. In various applications, it may bedesirable that the longitudinal axis of the member is oriented atnon-90° angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stabilizingsurface. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the crossmember 600 may be coupled to the posts 610 and 620 at a specific angle,as needed for the application. As described above, the cross member 600passes through an opening 630 in a stabilizing surface 612 in post 620,and the tabs 640 pass through tab-slots 650 in a securing surface 615.The tabs 640 are deformed, pinned in place, or welded in the tab-slots650 to couple the cross member 600 to the post 620. In this embodiment,the tab-slots 650 in the securing surface 615 are located higher orlower than the opening 630, in order to allow the cross member 600 toenter the opening 630 at an angle and lock to the post 620 through thetab-slots 650 at an angle. The cross member 600 passes through anopening 660 in a stabilizing surface 602 in post 610., and the tabs 670pass through tab-slots 680 in a securing surface 605. The tabs 670 aredeformed, pinned in place, or welded in the tab-slots 680 to couple thecross member 600 to the post 610. In this embodiment, the tab-slots 680in the securing surface 605 are located higher or lower than the opening660, in order to allow the cross member 600 to enter the opening 660 atan angle and lock to the post 610 through the tab-slots 680 at an angle.In this embodiment, further stability results from a gripping actioncreated by friction between the cross member 600 and the edges of theopenings 630 and 660. Similarly, in this embodiment, further stabilityresults from a gripping action created by friction between the member600 and the edges of the tab-slots 650 and 680. The friction andgripping action result from external forces that would otherwisedestabilize the structure.

FIG. 7A is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the friction or gripping action resulting when themember 700 is inserted at a non-90° angle. The member 700 passes throughan opening 730 in the stabilizing surface 702. The tabs 740 on themember 700 pass through the tab-slots 750 in the securing surface 705.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the depth of the surfaces of theopening 730 and the tab-slots 750 are at a 90° angle through thestabilizing surface 702 and the securing surface 705 respectively. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the contact, and hence, for example thefriction resulting from external forces, is limited to contact betweenthe edge of the surface of the opening 730 in the stabilizing surface702, and the member 700, rather than with the full depth of the surfaceof the opening. Additionally, the contact and friction between thesurface of the tab-slots 750 in the securing surface 705 and the member700 is similarly limited.

In one embodiment, the tab end of the member may be cut such that itfits flush against the inner surface of the stabilizing surface when thetabs are engaged with the tab-slots. For example, if the stabilizingsurface is on a hollow post, the tab end of the member could be cut suchthat it fits flush against the internal diameter of the stabilizingsurface when the tabs are engaged in the tab-slots. For example, wherethe member is at a non-90° angle relative to the securing surface, thetab end of the member is shaped such that it forms a flush connectionwith the inner surface of the securing surface with the tabs are engagedin the tab-slots. For example, FIG. 7A, shows an example wherein the tabend of member 700 fits flush against the inner surface of securingsurface 705 when the tabs are engaged in the tab-slots. In an optionalembodiment, the flush fitting of the tab end of the member with theinner surface (e.g., inner diameter) of the stabilizing surface may besealed, for example, with a silicon sealer or similar sealing means.

FIG. 7B is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing contact and the friction or gripping action resultingwhen the member 700 is inserted at a non-90° angle, but the contact ismaximized, thus the friction or gripping action is maximized. The member700 passes through an opening 730 in the stabilizing surface 702. Thetabs 740 on the member 700 pass through the tab-slots 750 in thesecuring surface 705. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the opening730 is cut at an angle through the stabilizing surface 702 such that theangle of the depth of the surface of the opening 730 generallycorresponds to the angle of insertion of the member 700, and thus themember 700 makes full contact along the surface of the opening 730 inthe stabilizing surface 702. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, thetab-slots 750 are also cut at an angle through the securing surface 705such that the angle of the surface of the tab-slots 750 generallycorresponds to the angle of insertion of the tabs 740, and the tabs 740make full contact along the surface of the tab-slots 750 in the securingsurface 705. The maximized contact between the member and the surface ofthe opening and the maximized contact between the tabs and the surfaceof the tab-slots maximizes the strength of the joint and the frictionand resulting gripping action created by external forces.

FIG. 7C is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the contact and friction or gripping action resultingwhen the member 700 is inserted at a 90° angle. The member 700 passesthrough an opening 730 in the stabilizing surface 702, where the edge ofthe depth of the opening 730 is at a non-90° angle, such as may becreated by punching to manufacture the opening. The tabs 740 on themember 700 pass through the tab-slots 750 in the securing surface 705,where the edge of the tab-slots 750 are at a non-90° angle. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7C, the contact and hence the support andfriction resulting from external forces is limited in that contactbetween the edge of the surface of the opening 730 in the stabilizingsurface 702 and the member 700. Additionally, the same applies forcontact between the edge of the surface of the tab-slots 750 in thesecuring surface 705 and the member 700.

FIG. 7D is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the contact, support and the friction or grippingaction resulting when the member 700 is inserted at a 90° angle, and themember 700 passes through an opening 730 in the stabilizing surface 702,where the depth edge of the opening 730 is at a 90° angle. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7D, contact between the surface of the opening730 in the stabilizing surface 702 and the member 700 is maximized or infull contact. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7D, the tab-slots 750 arealso cut at a 90° angle through the securing surface 705 such that fullcontact with the surface of the tab-slot is similarly possible.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein at least two posts are coupled closely together. Thefirst post segment 800 and the second post segment 810 can be coupledtogether by member 820. The member 820 is supported by a stabilizingsurface 802 on the first post segment 800 and in a stabilizing surface812 on the second post segment 810. Tab-slots 850 are located in asecuring surface 805 of the first post segment 800. Tabs 870 on thecommon member 820 are inserted into the tab-slots 850 in the securingsurface 805. The tabs 870 may extend all the way through the tab-slots850 to the exterior of the first post segment 800, or may be shorter tobe flush with the securing surface 805. Tab-slots 860 are in a securingsurface 815 of the second post segment 810. Tabs 880 on the member 820are inserted into the tab-slots 860 in the securing surface 815 of thesecond post segment 810. The tabs 880 may extend all the way through thetab-slots 860 to the exterior of the second post segment 810, or may beshorter to be flush with the securing surface 815. As shown in FIG. 8,the two posts are coupled closely together when the tabs 870 and 880 arebent, crimped, welded, pinned, or otherwise engaged in the tab-slots 850and 860 as previously discussed.

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how theinvention claimed herein is made and applied, and are intended to bepurely exemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit thescope of what the inventors regard as their invention.

EXAMPLE 1

In one example of a structure containing the joint connection of thepresent invention, an H-post fence brace structure contains the jointconnection of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3B, it will beseen that the joint connection of the present invention may be used in,for example, assembling an H-post fence brace. As shown in FIG. 3B, thevarious segments and members are not drawn to scale. The first postsegment 300 and the second post segment 310 may be coupled together bymember 320 to form an H-shaped construction. The member 320 is insertedinto an opening 330 on the first post segment 300 and an opening 340 onthe second post segment 310. In the example, the member 320 may passthrough the openings 330 and 340 in the first post segment 300 and thesecond post segment 310 respectively. On the opposite side of the firstpost segment 300 to the opening 330 are tab-slots 350. Tabs 370 on theend of member 320 are inserted into the tab-slots 350. On the oppositeside of the second post segment 310 opposite to the opening 340 aretab-slots 360. Tabs 380 on the end of member 320 are inserted into thetab-slots 360. After the tabs 370 and 380 on each end of the member 320are aligned and inserted into the tab-slots 350 and 360, the tabs 370and 380 are deformed by bending or crimping. Optionally, the connectionbetween the member 320 and each post 300 and 310 may be welded, butwelding is not necessary with the joint connection of the presentinvention. With the tabs 370 and 380 bent or crimped, the member 320 iscoupled to both the post segments 300 and 310. For use as a fence braceassembly, as in the example, the bottom ends of the posts 300 and 310,with the member 320 connected, may be installed in the ground, typicallyin dirt, concrete or cement, and then leveled. Once set, each post mayserve as an anchor or secure location to which barbed wire fencing,gates, chain link, animal security wire, razor wire and the like may beattached. For example, fence wire may be wound around either post at theend of a line of wire. The constructed fence brace assembly, includingthe joint connection of the present invention, may be, for example,repeated and spaced along the length of a fence to provide stability andbear the tension load of the length of fence. The constructed fencebrace assembly, including the joint connection of the present invention,may be, for example, be located at a corner in a fence to provide asecure anchor. The constructed fence brace assembly, including the jointconnection of the present invention, may additionally serve as, forexample, the support for a gate, swinging or otherwise, or alternativelyas a doorway or room entrance not requiring a door such as those used,for example, for public restroom entrances.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the invention asdefined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the presentapplication is not intended to be limited to the particular embodimentsof the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,methods and steps described in the specification. As one will readilyappreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims areintended to include within their scope such processes, machines,manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

1. A joint connection, comprising: at least one stabilizing surface,comprising at least one opening; at least one securing surface,comprising at least one tab-slot; at least one member, comprising atleast one tab; wherein said member passes through said opening in saidstabilizing surface; and wherein said tab engages said tab-slot in saidsecuring surface.
 2. The joint connection of claim 1, wherein thestabilizing surface and the securing surface are in a common surface. 3.The joint connection of claim 2, wherein the stabilizing surface and thesecuring surface are in the outer surface of a post.
 4. The jointconnection of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing surface and the securingsurface are not in a common surface.
 5. The joint connection of claim 1,wherein the stabilizing surface is substantially parallel to thesecuring surface.
 6. The joint connection of claim 1, wherein the membermay be solid, hollow, or partially filled.
 7. The joint connection ofclaim 3, wherein the post may be solid, hollow, or partially filled. 8.The joint connection of claim 1, wherein the opening corresponds inshape and size to the member.
 9. The joint connection of claim 1,further comprising a sealant along an edge of the opening.
 10. The jointconnection of claim 1, wherein the opening is located directly oppositeat least one tab-slot, so that the longitudinal axis of the member isoriented at an angle of about 90° relative to the stabilizing surface.11. The joint connection of claim 1, wherein the opening is not directlyopposite at least one tab-slot, but is offset from at least onetab-slot, so that the longitudinal axis of the member is oriented at anon-90° angle relative to the stabilizing surface.
 12. The jointconnection of claim 11, wherein the angle results in friction and gripbetween the member and the opening.
 13. The joint connection of claim 1,wherein the size and shape of the tab-slots corresponds to the tabs. 14.The joint connection of claim 1, further comprising a sealant along anedge of the tab-slots and connection between the tab-end of the memberand the inner surface of the stabilizing surface.
 15. The jointconnection of claim 1, wherein the said member is coupled to itself atsaid opening.
 16. The joint connection of claim 1, wherein the tab isengaged with the tab-slot in a manner selected from the group consistingof bending, crimping, gluing, welding, pinning, screwing, twisting,bolting, and via a notch in the tab.
 17. The joint connection of claim1, further comprising at least one recess in the securing surfacecapable of receiving a bent tab.
 18. The joint connection of claim 1,produced by a process wherein the tab-slot is cut by a laser.
 19. Amethod of joining, comprising the steps of: providing at least onestabilizing surface, comprising at least one opening; providing at leastone securing surface, comprising at least one tab-slot; providing atleast one member, comprising at least one tab; passing said memberthrough said opening; and passing said tab into said tab-slot.
 20. Themethod of joining of claim 19, wherein the opening corresponds to theshape and size of the member.
 21. The method of joining of claim 19,wherein the stabilizing surface and the securing surface are in a commonsurface.
 22. The method of joining of claim 21, wherein the stabilizingsurface and the securing surface are in the outer surface of a post. 23.The method of joining of claim 19, wherein the stabilizing surface andthe securing surface are not in a common surface.
 24. The method ofjoining of claim 19, wherein the stabilizing surface is substantiallyparallel to the securing surface.
 25. The method of joining of claim 19,wherein the member may be solid, hollow, or partially filled.
 26. Themethod of joining of claim 22, wherein the post may be solid, hollow, orpartially filled.
 27. The method of joining of claim 19, wherein theopening is located directly opposite at least one tab-slot, so that whenassembled, the longitudinal axis of the member is oriented at an angleof about 90° relative to the stabilizing surface.
 28. The method ofjoining of claim 19, wherein the opening is not directly opposite atleast one tab-slot, but is offset from at least one tab-slot, so thatwhen assembled, the longitudinal axis of the member is oriented at anon-90° angle relative to the stabilizing surface.
 29. The method ofjoining of claim 28, wherein the angle results in friction and gripbetween the member and the opening.
 30. The method of joining of claim19, wherein the size and shape of the tab-slots corresponds to the tabs.31. The method of joining of claim 19, wherein the tab engages in thecorresponding tab-slot without requiring welding or additionalfastening.
 32. The method of joining of claim 19, wherein the tab isengaged with the tab-slot in a manner selected from the group consistingof bending, crimping, gluing, welding, pinning, screwing, twisting,bolting, and via a notch in the tab.
 33. The method of joining of claim19, further comprising providing a sealant along an edge of the opening.34. The method of joining of claim 19, further comprising providing asealant along an edge of the tab-slot.
 35. The method of joining ofclaim 19, further comprising bending said tabs over an edge of saidtab-slots into a recess in said securing surface, such that whenassembled, tabs are flush with said securing surface.
 36. A joint kithaving component parts capable of being assembled, the kit comprisingthe combination of: at least one post, capable of being joined to atleast one member; and at least one member, capable of being joined to atleast one post; said post comprising: at least one stabilizing surface,comprising at least one opening; and at least one securing surface,comprising at least one tab-slot; said member comprising: at least onetab; wherein said member is capable of penetrating said opening in saidstabilizing surface of said post; and wherein said tab on said member iscapable of engaging the tab-slot in said securing surface of said post,whereby said member may be joined to said post.
 37. The joint kit ofclaim 36, wherein the member may be solid, hollow, or partially filled.38. The joint kit of claim 36, wherein the post may be solid, hollow, orpartially filled.
 39. The joint kit of claim 36, wherein the openingcorresponds in shape and size to the member.
 40. The joint kit of claim36, wherein the opening is located directly opposite at least onetab-slot, so that when assembled, the longitudinal axis of the member isoriented at an angle of about 90° relative to the stabilizing surface.41. The joint kit of claim 36, wherein the opening is not directlyopposite at least one tab-slot, but is offset from at least onetab-slot, so that when assembled, the longitudinal axis of the member isoriented at a non-90° angle relative to the stabilizing surface.
 42. Thejoint kit of claim 41, wherein the angle results in friction and gripbetween the member and the opening.
 43. The joint kit of claim 36,wherein the size and shape of the tab-slots corresponds to the tabs. 44.The joint kit of claim 36, further comprising at least one recess in thesecuring surface capable of receiving a bent tab.
 45. A construction,comprising: at least one post, said post comprising: at least oneopening; and at least one tab-slot; at least one member, comprising atleast one tab; wherein said member passes through said opening in saidpost; and wherein said tab engages said tab-slot in said post.
 46. Theconstruction of claim 45, wherein the construction is at least selectedfrom the group consisting of fences, gates, ladders, scaffolding, andwalls.
 47. The construction of claim 45, wherein the opening is locateddirectly opposite at least one tab-slot, so that when assembled, thelongitudinal axis of the member is oriented at an angle of about 90°relative to the longitudinal axis of the post.
 48. The construction ofclaim 45, wherein the opening is not directly opposite at least onetab-slot, but is offset from at least one tab-slot, so that whenassembled, the longitudinal axis of the member is oriented at a non-90°angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the post.
 49. Theconstruction of claim 48, wherein the angle results in friction and gripbetween the member and the opening.